After enduring the discomfort and challenge of shoulder surgery, particularly a rotator cuff repair, patients often find themselves with new sensations and sounds coming from the healing joint. One common concern among many individuals recovering from such procedures is the clicking or popping noise that can accompany arm movements. In this blog, penned by Dr. David Guyer, a triple board-certified orthopedic surgeon, we’ll delve into the potential causes of these post-operative sounds and what they might indicate about your recovery process. Whether it’s inflammation, mechanical adjustments, or something else entirely, understanding these signs can help ease your mind as you navigate the path to recovery. Join us as we explore these possibilities, drawing on Dr. Guyer’s expertise to address the concerns raised by patients like you.

Understanding Post-Surgical Shoulder Clicking

For many individuals who have undergone shoulder surgery, particularly procedures like a rotator cuff repair, the presence of clicking or popping sounds during movement can be a source of concern. This auditory phenomenon often raises questions and worries about whether it signifies a problem or a setback in the healing process.

First, it’s important to understand that clicking and popping sounds in the shoulder are common and, more often than not, are benign. The shoulder is a complex joint that involves the interaction of bones, muscles, tendons, and bursae. As these components move and glide over one another, it’s not uncommon for sounds to emanate, especially during recovery when the joint might not be moving as smoothly as usual.

Inflammation and Bursa Thickening

One potential source of shoulder clicking is the inflammation or thickening of the bursa. The bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion and reduces friction between the bones and tendons of the shoulder. During or after surgery, the bursa can become inflamed as part of the body’s natural healing response. This inflammation can lead to a thicker bursa that changes the way the joint surfaces interact, creating noise during movement.

Altered Shoulder Mechanics

Surgical intervention often involves manipulating the structures within the shoulder, which can temporarily alter how the joint operates. Post-surgery, the shoulder might not move in the perfectly coordinated fashion it once did, possibly due to muscle weakness or stiffness. This mechanical alteration can result in clicking sounds as the components of the shoulder adjust during rehabilitation.

Stiffness and Muscular Weakness

Following surgery, it’s natural for the shoulder joint to experience stiffness. This is partly due to the healing process, as the body generates scar tissue that can limit flexibility to some extent. When you begin to move and stretch the joint during physical therapy, you might break through these areas of stiffness, resulting in audible clicks or pops. Additionally, muscles that have been inactive during recovery can undergo changes in their coordination and strength, contributing to unusual sounds as they regain their functionality.

Post-Surgical Adjustments

Post-operative shoulder clicking might also be attributed to the muscles around the joint adapting to changes brought about by surgery. As you work through rehabilitation, your body is relearning how to move and stabilize the shoulder, which can lead to temporary noise as new movement patterns are formed.

When to Consult Your Orthopedic Surgeon

While clicking and popping after shoulder surgery is generally not a cause for serious concern, there are situations where consulting your orthopedic surgeon is advisable:

• Persistent Sounds: If the clicking or popping does not diminish over time and continues to occur months into rehabilitation, it might be worth discussing with your healthcare provider.
• Pain Accompanying Sounds: If the clicking is accompanied by persistent pain or discomfort, it could be indicative of an issue that needs further assessment.
• Loss of Function: Any noticeable loss of function or mobility in conjunction with these sounds should be brought to the attention of your surgeon.
• Swelling or Redness: Unexplained swelling, redness, or warmth around the shoulder area, alongside the clicking, should be evaluated to rule out complications such as infection.

Steps Towards Recovery

To promote optimal recovery and reduce the occurrence of clicks and pops:

• Adhere to Physical Therapy: Following the prescribed rehabilitation exercises is crucial in restoring the strength and flexibility of the shoulder.
• Gradual Resumption of Activities: Avoid rushing back to strenuous activities and allow your shoulder the time it needs to heal properly.
• Manage Inflammation: Use anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed and apply ice to manage swelling effectively.
• Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Regular updates with your orthopedic surgeon or physical therapist can ensure that your healing is progressing as expected.

Understanding the nuances of shoulder recovery can significantly alleviate stress and anxiety post-surgery. While clicking and popping sounds can be disconcerting, knowing that they often form part of the normal healing process can provide peace of mind. With the expertise of healthcare professionals like Dr. Guyer, you can navigate your recovery with confidence, focusing on regaining strength, mobility, and function in your shoulder.